Can You Continue Driving with a Damaged Oil Cooler?
2 Answers
You cannot continue driving with a damaged oil cooler. This is because the oil can reach extremely high temperatures under such conditions, leading to increased oil evaporation in the oil pan and higher oil consumption. Oil also plays a cooling role, and its failure can cause the engine to overheat. In this scenario, the oil temperature will rise excessively, reducing its viscosity and compromising its lubrication effectiveness. Additional Information: Precautions: The oil cooler used in cars is a component with a relatively high failure rate. After the oil cooler is damaged, the most common symptom is excessively high oil temperature. If the oil temperature is too high, it not only accelerates oil consumption but may also lead to oxidation and deterioration of the oil.
If the oil cooler is broken, I strongly advise against driving. The oil cooler's function is to cool the engine oil and prevent the engine from overheating. Once it fails, the oil temperature will rise rapidly, leading to poor lubrication, increased wear on internal engine components, and even the risk of cylinder seizure or fire—it's extremely dangerous. With decades of driving experience, I've seen many cases where people insisted on driving, only to break down midway, resulting in repair costs skyrocketing. Safety should always come first. Stop the car immediately for inspection. If you notice the oil temperature gauge rising abnormally, shut off the engine and call for a tow truck to a professional repair shop. Don’t forget to check the cooler lines and oil condition during regular maintenance—it can save you a lot of money.